There is nothing wrong with travelling on the cheap. It is almost a rite of passage for young travellers. Itoften means very basic accommodation, street food and local buses. However, it shouldn't mean mean travelling without travel insurance!
You can skimp on many things but going without travel medical insurance often ends in disaster with someone having to pay, either you or a family member! This could be many hundreds of thousands of dollars!
Some countries such as Singapore and Thailand, do not allow entry if the traveller cannot produce their travel insurance certificate.
Australia does have reciprocal health care arrangements with a number of countries (see below) but this doesn’t negate the need for travel health insurance. It is of concern that many people believe the Australian Government will pick up payments for medical bills while overseas. Consulates can help but they WILL NOT pay your bills.
If you haven’t enough money for travel insurance, then realistically you haven’t enough money to travel. You might think you have a choice if you are faced with a serious health issue or accident but often you are too sick or unconscious to be able to make life saving decisions. It is these situations that you must consider, not the annoying common health issues reported by up to 40% travellers in a 2 week stay.
These do occur. In a published study of insurance claims made by over 800 returning Australian travellers, the majority were for medical or dental issues. Common health issues included respiratory, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, ear nose and throat and dental. The average age of claimant was over 50 years, with 40% of the total were over the age of 60 years. Two thirds were successfully claimed.
The emergency contact number was sourced in 17.1% claims.
All travel insurance policies will have a Product Disclosure Statement (PDS). It is very important for you to check whether the proposed insurance is suitable for your needs.
From a health perspective there are some important headings.
- General exclusions
- Pre-existing medical conditions
- COVID-19 cover
- Emergency assistance
- Claims requirements
It is not a good feeling to read the exclusions after being involved in a motorcycle accident.
Injuries are common in overseas travel, and you might have been able to take out extra cover on your policy for a few dollars extra a day.
Travelling to a city with high levels of air pollution such as Delhi in winter and Ulaanbaatar, and not declaring your asthma and your prevention puffers would not be sensible.
Skiing, scuba diving, bungee jumping, ballooning are among many activities requiring scrutiny of your travel insurance.
Travel health insurance packages can vary considerably in respect to cover for pregnancy. It is important to read the fine print carefully if travelling when pregnant.
Expatriate workers who undertake recreational activities outside their normal work might also need to enquire whether they require extra cover.
Taking out travel insurance seems simple, but it can take time. It is best to consider it before you have locked in your trip. It is recommended to seek health advice 6-8 weeks prior to travel and perhaps this is also a good time to research your insurance needs.
